Thailand Law & Regulation News
New laws, amended regulations and the enforcement that follows, filtered to what reaches a foreign resident: work permits, company ownership and nominee structures, licensing, cannabis and alcohol rules, and the penalties attached. One bill is typically covered by a dozen outlets in two languages, so we cluster the Thai and English reporting into a single story and update several times a day.
Latest
Compulsory motor insurance period set to one year
A new regulation mandates that the compulsory motor vehicle accident victims insurance period is generally one year, with options for shorter or longer periods (up to two years) at the insured's request using a daily premium rate. The policy must cover at least until the next vehicle tax expiry if used for tax renewal. The new rules take effect from 1 September 2026.
Amendments to compulsory car insurance policy terms announced
The Registrar of Insurance has amended the compulsory motor insurance policy (Protection for Victims of Motor Vehicles) to clarify cancellation conditions. Insurers may now only cancel the policy as permitted under the Civil and Commercial Code and the Unfair Contract Terms Act, while policyholders may cancel if the vehicle is legally de-registered or if duplicate coverage exists. The order took effect immediately upon its publication in the Royal Gazette on 14 October 2026.
OIC sets 5 flood-damage levels for vehicles
The Office of Insurance Commission (OIC) has defined five damage levels for flood-affected combustion-engine vehicles, from water reaching the floor carpet (Level A) to complete submersion (Level E), which may be deemed a total loss. Policyholders should verify their coverage, avoid starting flooded vehicles, document damage safely, and notify their insurers. The OIC hotline 1186 is available 24/7 through October 5 for assistance.
Taxi apps face point system from October 1 for unlicensed drivers
From October 1, Thailand's Transport Ministry will enforce a scorecard system for ride-hailing apps, deducting points for assigning jobs to drivers without public driving licenses or unregistered vehicles. Points reset quarterly; apps that lose enough points face suspension or certification revocation. Expats can expect stricter driver and vehicle checks going forward.
Thailand warns expats: carrying cannabis without prescription is illegal
Thailand's Department of Consular Affairs warns that possessing cannabis flowers without a prescription is illegal in Thailand, and smuggling any part of cannabis abroad violates both Thai and foreign laws. Offenders face up to 1 year jail or 20,000 baht fine in Thailand, and penalties abroad can include life imprisonment or death.
Anutin orders crackdown on foreigners breaking Thai law
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul instructed provincial governors to strictly enforce laws against foreigners involved in illegal businesses, nominee schemes, illegal land holding, and other unlawful activities, specifically citing Phuket and Surat Thani. He ordered immediate deportation for those meeting criteria and the removal of signs that unlawfully ban Thai people from establishments.